Abstract: A method of removing a coating, such as paint, varnish, biological growth or grime, from a surface, the method comprising selecting a suitable particulate solid having a particular, size of from 150-250 mm and a fluid carrier to form a spray mixture and spraying the mixture as a jet spray so as to impact and at least partially remove the coating. The hardness of the particulate solid is less than 8.0 on the Moh scale. The pressure applied to the spray mixture to generate the spray is from 3.sub.×10.sup.5 to 1.5.sub.×10.sup.6 Nm.sup.?2. An apparatus comprising a blasting pot (1) and a compressor (2) to generate the spray mixture and propel it from a nozzle (5) is also disclosed. Heating may be applied to the carrier, either prior to or when mixing with the particulate solid.